KTM Super Adventure

[SirToU]

Martin, you know what - you have hit the nail on the head...  but my defence to that is before I started Motogymkhana, I had a KTM 950 SM for a year and really liked the bike, but when it came to pushing it to its limits, I too would bounce it off the rev limiter, I could get the chassis to twist beneath me and take complete liberties and I would get really frustrated, but I rode it everyday for a year on to work, as I bought it as a commuter.

My issue with it was that, while doing Motogymkhana, there is a lot of slower speed manoeuvres and the trying it get a 950 V twin to run smoothly, I found exceptionally difficult at my limits back then.  I was also very conscience of my ability to push the bike close to its design limits on the country lanes - so I sold it in favour of the Z750R (inline4), which has won me 4 championships - good (lucky) decision.  however there was a sting in the tail, the day before I sold the SM, the throttle cable snapped and I've always wondered whether, thats the reason I was having difficulties with it.

The other additional factor (as I've mentioned previously) is, none of the current realm of proper adventure bikes, which, would be fair to say are twins (BMW, KTM, Ducati, Yamaha(?) ), appreciated Kawasaki and Suzuki have brought out the Versys and Vstrom, have got anywhere near the power of the GTR, and when you travelling 2 up with lots of kit, overtakes are not as prompt - AND thats where the Super Adventure comes in........  160BHP KTM v 155 BHP GTR and Torque Figures are also up - 100 ft lb GTR compared to 103 ft lb KTM in addition to being 75kg lighter (249kg wet KTM v 325kg (ish) Wet GTR, so power to weight ratio is also going to be up - 0.70bhp/tonne as opposed to 0.50 bhp/tonne on the 2010 GTR (2009 GTR is approximately 0.55bhp/tonne)  [AM I SELLING THIS YET?  ;-) ].

So as you can see, I'm really doing the research (am I boring you yet - might as well share the pain, other half is pissed of already).

Thats not mentioning the electronic gizmo's  Traction Control, Action Suspension, Heated Seats and Grips, ABS and Cornering ABS, Tyre pressure sensors, 300mile tank range, Hill start (not that I ever needed it), cornering lights (never needed them either), back torque engine module (let the bugger slide - back it in my boy), Adjustable riders seat, and the Touratech catalogue...  :-)   I must have sold it by now........

Anyway - I'm hooked and can't wait to get a test ride....and bye bye blade.

Neil

[100milesaway]

Neil, I compliment you on your thought and research process.  You have obviously got this KTM thing implanted in your brain, and it more than likely wont go away until you have actually bought one. Oh and boring? No just very entertaining. It's called passion .  All this and you haven't even rode one yet.              Keep it coming.  BHP,  BHP/Tonne, Ft Ib, Gizmos, Modules, Back torque, Action suspension,  .  My brain is smouldering.  Are you sleeping OK at the moment?. I would be a shivering wreck going through what you are enduring..       look forward to the full report on the test ride.      But you may just find that it's just a motor bike.

[Martin#30]

Neil,

At this end of the market (i.e. anything above the 700cc commuter tool type of bike), we buy them with our hearts, not our heads. Even you and I, putting in lots of miles on them and therefore should be focussing on the practical, know that what appeals is the shiny, the exciting, the new.

Don't fight it. Bikes are emotional purchases. If we wanted sensible and to compare specification lists on a spreadsheet, we would buy a car.

Get whatever causes the man vegetables to tingle at the prospect 

Now, if BMW would just throw the S1000RR engine in the R1200RT package, I would also be a happy man with tingling feelings ....

Martin.

[SirToU]

I agree Martin, the RT1000SS is really just a KTM Super Adventure in disguise!

edit:  Oh, minus the radio!

[SirToU]

OK, so I did phone the KTM Guys yesterday and their Demonstrator is in..... but I'm not going to be able to get there until 3 weeks time.  :-(

However, today, I took the Suzuki DL1000 VStrom out for a spin as my dealer (Crooks Suzuki) is only 2 miles down the road.

Ok, so I accept its not the best comparison, but it is a V twin, only has 100bhp with 79 ft lb max of torque - the KTM starts at that.

Actually, for a budget adventure/dual sport bike - WOW.... it was great, lot of bike for the money - smooth, lots of low down power, V twin character reasonably comfortable - but bloody cold today.

In my opinion, for 80%-90% of riders looking for an adventure bike, I think it would be a good start.

for me however, I like my toys and gadgets, settings and looking for something a little bit more premium.

May regret trying the KTM 1290 when I do - because I will want one even more.

Will keep you all informed.

Neil

[Charlie747]

0.7bhp/tonne = 



power to weight ratio = power / weight

therefore

160bhp bike weighing 249kgs would have a ..................

Power to weight ratio = power 160bhp / weight 0.249tonne

                                = 160 / 0.249

                                 = 643bhp/tonne  (sounds a whole lot more fun than 0.7bhp/tonne)      

[SirToU]

Yes that does sound better.

So, yesterday I took the Vstrom out and it turned out to be a game changer.....

So after 110,000 miles, the good times have rolled.... 3 GTR's and today I've finally decided to part with my girl.

I couldn't ride the 1290 SA today but we had a sit and I fell in love with Motorcycling again.....  Have test ride booked for 3 weeks time.  unfortunately, KTM have sold all their current stock and I'm going to have to wait until June (but have paid a deposit).... but hey - after then, the GTR will be 5 years old having picked her up on the 26th May 2010.

Then I'll have rolled and be "Ready to race!"

[Charlie747]

  Enjoy

[SirToU]

Changed my test ride guys.....  its now Sunday!  I can't wait to ride something new....

Neil

[Charlie747]

Changed my test ride guys.....  its now Sunday!  I can't wait to ride something new....

Neil

Enjoy 

[SirToU]

I've done it... I've test ridden it and loved it....

Deal has been done on the GTR, got an ok price that I am happy with.

Selected all the bits I want for the KTM...... total comes to nearly 2k - due to the panniers...  :-(  £1350 later.

Do you really want me to talk about the bike....  I don't think so.

But its great, I must be getting old because on the way back, everything I loved about the GTR (and still like), seemed to turn into a negative.  But I felt at home on the KTM, much like I did with the GTR in the beginning.  7 years later I needed a change.

None ever said, I can't change my mind in a year or so's time.

Thanks to everyone, but I will stick around and give my 2p's worth every now and again.....  I think (actually) - I know I would miss you guys - know some of your since my first GTR in September 2008.  :-)

Neil

[Charlie747]

No need to leave Neil................new toy starts its name with a K 

Yes I expect full details of road test and bike when you've got it as we all love bikes and expect your opinion and thoughts on a change of ride 

Roll on delivery date................which is ?

[O.C.]

I'm glad that you got sorted Neil, maybe we'll bump into you at the 'Bridge' soon, in the meantime post some pictures once you get the new 'un   

Out of interest when do you take delivery ?

[100milesaway]

Well done Neil, It's a nice feeling when the decision has been made, and you await the new bikes arrival. Enjoy it when it comes. . 

[Charlie747]

Well done Neil, It's a nice feeling when the decision has been made, and you await the new bikes arrival. Enjoy it when it comes. .